The 13 Best Cica Creams Of 2024 For Healthy And Radiant Skin
Moisturize your sensitive skin and strengthen your skin barrier with these healing creams.
Lisa LeeLicensed Esthetician
Lisa Lee is a licensed esthetician with over two decades of professional experience in skin care and makeup. Having struggled with her skin issues practically her whole life, she understands the frustration as well as the toll it can take o... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
swathi eMA (English Literature)
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She... more
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If you are here looking for the best cica cream for your sensitive skin, we have got you covered! Cica is short for a herb called Centella asiatica. It helps moisturize sensitive skin gently while strengthening and enriching the skin barrier. It is a popular ingredient in many K-beauty products and is found as a scar treatment cream in European countries as well. These creams are great for those suffering from skin sensitivity and are known for their healing and hydrating properties. They also help resolve the various skin issues caused due to dirt, dust, pollution, and other environmental stressors.
With advances in skin care science and technology, many brands are coming up with cica cream formulations combined with caffeine, licorice extracts, and other such natural skin-benefiting ingredients. If you want to know more and are not sure where to start, read on and pick one of the 13 best cica creams listed below to try out and see the difference for yourself. Check them out!
In This Article
What Are Cica Creams?
Recently hyped up as a K-beauty trend, cica creams have their roots in Western dermo-cosmetic products. Several research studies show that cica cream’s ingredients soothe minor burns, heal scars, and also help repair skin damage caused by skin conditions like psoriasis. The main active ingredient in these creams, Centella Asiatica. It is rich in fatty acids amino acids and beta carotene, which help provide moisture and maintain skin health and appearance.
When Should You Use Cica Cream?
Cica products are rich in antioxidants and are known for their anti-inflammatory, anticellulite properties. They have been used for decades to help speed up wound healing and reduce skin inflammation. Cica creams can replace your regular moisturizer in your skincare routine as they provide moisture, fight signs of aging, and boost collagen production. They can also be an excellent supplement for your skin if you are undergoing retinol and IPL treatments or using a chemical peel.
Now that you know what cica creams are and when to use them, here’s a look at our curated list of the 13 best cica creams you must give a try for a healthy, radiant skin glow.
13 Best Cica Creams You Must Try
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Meebak Cica Cream Age-Repair Moisturizer
Are you looking for a moisturizer that hydrates your skin and fights signs of aging? Well, look no further than here. The age-repair cream from Meebak contains cica that soothes, hydrates, and heals irritated skin while regenerating skin barriers and boosting collagen production. Enriched with niacinamide, it treats hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This cica cream also contains retinol and peptide 8 complex that reduce dark spots, improve the skin’s firmness, and eliminate the signs of aging. The secret ingredients are hyaluronic acid and Dioscorea japonica root that works as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents, and soothe and hydrate skin. The gentle formula contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, sunflower seed extracts, aloe vera, and rice extracts, making it perfect for sensitive skin and everyday use.
Pros
- Rejuvenates dry skin
- Reduces dark spots and signs of aging
- Suitable sensitive skin
- Idea for daily use
- No parabens, sulphates, and phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- Free of toxins
Cons
- Formula may be a bit too heavy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 481 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Oil-Free Formula:L’oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream
Tired of moisturizers that leave your skin feeling greasy? Try this dermatologically-tested, non-greasy cica cream from L’oreal Paris. Enriched with Centella Asiatica, it visibly reduces the signs of aging and repairs skin. It strengthens the skin’s barrier to shield it against damage from internal and external aggressors. It also contains other nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa seed butter, which provides moisture and citric acid that even skin tone and clear pores.
Pros
- Reduces the signs of aging and repairs skin
- Provides moisture and unclogs pores
- Oil-free formula
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologically tested
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant, dye-free
- Free of skin-stripping alcohols
Cons
- May not absorb quickly into the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 321 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Cruelty-Free Product:Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream
Formulated with hydrating ingredients such as centella asiatica leaf, shea butter, witch hazel, and lavender oil, this cica cream repairs the skin barrier, strengthening it against environmental damage. The formula is also infused with niacinamide and reduces acne scars, exfoliates dead skin, and protects it from the sun’s harmful U.V. rays. It has a lightweight consistency which makes it an excellent nighttime cream to add to your bedtime skincare routine. It also gets absorbed quickly into the skin, improves the skin’s firmness, and offers excellent moisture retention. Remember to conduct a patch test to determine if it is suitable for your skin.
Pros
- Repairs skin barrier
- Reduces acne scars
- Offers excellent moisture retention
- Vegan formula
- Cruelty-free
- Pregnancy-safe
- No mineral oils, ethanol, paraben, PEG, propylene glycol and silicone
Cons
- May not be suited for oily skin
"This facial cream delivers long-lasting moisturize without making my skin feel heavy. Moreover, it doesn't clash with my makeup and seems to play well with other skin care products in my routine. I keep using it because it doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,310 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
| Meebak Cica Cream Age-Repair Moisturizer Best For Sensitive Skin | L’oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream Best Oil-Free Formula | Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream Best Cruelty-Free Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | - | - |
| Number of Items | 1 | - | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.3 x 2.26 x 6.01 inches | 1.42 x 1.42 x 6.06 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.76 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 481 | 321 | 1,310 |
| Price | $19.97 | $8.98 | $16.28 |
4. Best For Skin Texture Improvement:A’PIEU Madecassoside Cica Cream
All you ever need in a cica cream is right here in this skin care product. Formulated with the potent Ayurvedic ingredient Centella Asiatica, this cream proven to deliver visible results helps soothe dry skin by deeply hydrating it. This A’PIEU Madecassoside Cica Cream is a powerful blend of 40% natural Centella leaf water with 0.1% pure madecassoside extract, which repairs and heals the skin. The formula also contains niacinamide, which helps control excess oil production, witch hazel extract that tightens the skin, and panthenol which helps provide deep hydration to parched, dry skin. This dermatologically tested cream soothes inflamed skin, brightens tone, and fights signs of aging.
Pros
- Repairs and heals skin
- Tightens and improves texture
- Suitable for oily and dry skin
- Offers vibrant glow
- Regulates oil production
Cons
- The scent may be unpleasant for some
"This cream is easy to apply and does not give me a non-greasy feel. It soothes my skin without being overpowering in scent. I use it with my nighttime regime because it gives me long-lasting moisture."
5. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Uriage Eau Thermale Bariederm Cica-Cream
Bid farewell to damaged, irritable skin once in for all. Powered by the miracle ingredient, thermal water, this cream is abundant in soft minerals and restores the skin’s protective barrier while reducing environmental stressors’ harmful effects. This cica skin care product also contains a copper-zinc blend, which helps the skin to maintain its elasticity and purify it. The cream’s patented GF-Repair complex boosts cell production and promotes the growth of the skin’s epidermal barrier. Patch testing is essential if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Restores the skin’s physical barrier
- Fragrance-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Formula may feel heavy on the skin
"This cica cream heals my skin and soothes irritation. It has a thick texture that absorbs without leaving a greasy residue. It makes my skin feel softer when I apply it twice daily. However, I would suggest speaking to a dermatologist before incorporating it into one's skin care routine."
6. Best Collagen Boosting Properties:Dewycel Cica Plus Balm
Restore the natural glow of your skin with this Dewycel Cica Plus Balm. You can use it as a part of your morning or bedtime skincare routine to condition and moisturize your face. The powerful combination of centella asiatica and plant stem cells repairs damaged skin and prevents and reduces wrinkles. It is formulated with panthenol and hyaluronic acid, which leaves you with supple, plum skin that will make you fall in love with your radiant skin. It also contains apple seed extracts with collagen-boosting properties and delivers vitamin C to brighten skin and dark spots.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Enhances elasticity
- Suits all skin types
- Eliminates redness
- Removes acne and blemishes
- No paraben, benzyl alcohol, chlorphenesin, triclosan, DHT, and triethanolamine
Cons
- May leave an oily sheen
"This cream is great for my sensitive skin. It is light and absorbs without leaving any greasiness behind. It makes my skin feel refreshed. It also reduces irritation and tries to eliminate acne."
7. Best Natural Formula:Rael Beauty Lighten Up Cica Spot Corrector
Made with naturally-derived brightening ingredients, this spot corrector is gentle on the skin and deeply nourishing. This Rael Beauty Lighten Up Cica Spot Corrector contains portions of mineral oil and tea-tree oil that improve skin clarity, tone, and texture. It is formulated with an effective concentration of the star ingredient centella asiatica, which reduces dark spots, unwanted discoloration, and blemishes. It contains hyaluronic acid to lock moisture in and is enriched with white willow bark extracts to clear pores and heal acne and irritation.
Pros
- Provides hydration and locks moisture in
- Improves skin clarity, tone, and texture
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes
- No parabens, phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, and PEGs
Cons
- May take a while for the formula to blend in well
"This cica cream is gentle on my dark spots. It suits my sensitive and acne-prone skin very well. It improves my skin texture and provides a subtle glow without causing irritation."
8. Best UV Protection:Iope Derma Repair Cica Cream
This cream strengthens the skin by gently nourishing it with effective ingredients such as cypress tree and panthenol. It soothes rough and damaged skin, leaving you with a supple and healthy glow. This non-irritating, mild formula is excellent for sensitive skin, offering it dry-damage care and strengthening the skin barrier. What makes this product an adored skincare cream, you ask? It comes with the goodness of shea butter, antioxidant-rich, madecassoside, to seal moisture into the skin and maintain its overall health.
Pros
- Non-irritating, mild formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Quick absorption
- Improves texture
- Reduces flaky patches
- Protection from UV-A and UV-B rays
Cons
- May not suit combination skin
Remember9. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Madeca Derma Revitalizing Cream
Are you troubled with dry and irritated skin? Give this results-driven Madeca Derma Revitalizing Cream a chance and see the difference for yourself. High concentrations of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid used in this clinically-proven formula, moisturize skin, boost skin elasticity, and fight signs of aging. This loved product is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as rosemary extracts, white willow bark, Matricaria flower, bergamot fruit, and grapefruit to help tighten skin and leave behind a radiant glow. Made with portions of Centella Asiatica, daisy flower, grapefruit, green beans, orange oil, licorice root, and evening primrose oil, it offers antioxidant firming properties, rebuilds damaged skin, and smoothes fine lines.
Pros
- Moisturizes and soothes inflamed skin
- Fights skin aging and tightens skin
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Ideal for mature, sensitive skin
Cons
- Formula may be a bit heavy
"This cica cream nourishes my skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. It absorbs without leaving any greasiness behind. I use it sparingly because a small amount goes a long way. Overall, it soothes my skin quite well."
10. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Cosrx Cica Cream
This silky smooth cream boosts hydration in vulnerable, mature skin. It absorbs into the skin quickly and offers instant relief to irritated skin. This cica cream contains enriching ingredients such as bark extract, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, and pinus pinaster bark, which help provide ample moisture to the skin, while leaving behind a radiant and youthful glow. It is gentle on the skin and protects and restores the skin’s barrier. It makes a perfect addition to your everyday skin care routine, according to some skin care reviewers on e-commerce websites. Cosrx Pure Fit Cica Cream contains 6000 ppm of centella extract and helps restore any skin damage.
Pros
- Boosts hydration
- Offers instant relief to irritated skin
- Restores skin damage
- Unscented
- Cruelty-free
- Non-sticky, lightweight formula
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely dry skin
"This cica cream soothes and hydrates my sensitive skin. It has a light texture that absorbs without being heavy or greasy. It moisturizes my skin without making my T-zone too shiny. Overall, it is a great purchase for my nighttime skin care routine."
11. Best Easily Absorbed:ETUDE SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm
The ETUDE SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm has a gel-type consistency, perfect for dry and sensitive skin and the areas that need relief. The formula easily absorbs into the skin and moisturizes it without being heavy or oily. Panthenol and madecassoside present in the formula help repair dryness and weak skin barrier and aim to promote healthy-looking skin. The skin care product has a low-pH level formula that gives anti-aging benefits and rejuvenates the skin. It does not cause breakouts either.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-oily
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Color additive-free
- Synthetic perfume-free
- Polyacrylamide-free
- Silicone-free
- Imidazolidinyl urea-free
- Triethanolamine-free
- Surfactant-free
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
- None
"This moisturizer absorbs well and keeps my skin soft. It does not make my skin feel heavy or sticky. I like that it is gentle and does not cause any irritation or breakouts. It works very well under makeup."
12. Best Anti-inflammatory Properties:The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Advanced Cica Recovery Cream
Packed with the goodness of Centella Asiatica, ceramide, and panthenol, this cica recovery cream builds a healthy skin barrier to retain moisture and leaves you with younger looking, radiant skin. This hydrating formula contains nutmeg extracts and glycerine, which provide moisture and relieves dryness. It is also enriched with the goodness of niacinamide to help minimize enlarged pores and even out skin tone. The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant-based formula offer a soothing feeling to irritated and dry or itchy skin.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Builds a healthy skin barrier
- Minimizes pores
- Contains a pleasant scent
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
Cons
- May not absorb quickly
"I like this cream for my dry skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind. I apply it twice in the winter season for the best results. Overall, it improves my skin's texture."
13. Best For Irritated Skin:DERMATORY Azulene Hypoallergenic Cica Cream
There is more than one benefit in using this cica gel cream by the DERMATORY. It is formulated keeping sensitive skin in mind and is a hypoallergenic, dermatologically-test product. It contains guaiazulene to help reduce the swelling caused by acne and offers clear skin and feverfew extracts, which soothes irritated skin. A small amount is all you need of this gentle cream to help moisturize your entire face. Last but not least, dermatory cica cream also contains chamomile extracts, which are known for their skin-calming properties.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Dermatologically tested
- Soothes and repairs skin
- Relieves irritated skin
Cons
- May not by hydration enough for some
"This cica gel cream hydrates my skin without a heavy feel. It has a strong scent that does not stay for long. I like that it improves my skin texture and makes it appear much smoother. What I really like is that using the cream does not lead to clogged pores or irritation."
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Cica Creams
Cica creams have been making waves in the skin care world, and for good reason. They work wonders on irritated skin, promote healing, and provide a boost of hydration. However, before choosing a cream from this brand, you must be aware of the ingredients they use. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top ingredients used in Cica creams and their benefits.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Cica creams give a radiant glow and suit most skin types. It is deeply moisturizing and is highly effective for sensitive skin types. Cica creams allow wounds to heal faster and beat skin inflammation. They also work well as anti-aging creams and reduce dark spots. The Meebak Cica Cream is a great choice as it offers age-repairing properties and reduces dark spots, while Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream soothes and strengthens the skin barrier. If you have sensitive skin then try Cosrx Cica Cream, it delivers intense hydration and restores skin damage. Most of the products mentioned above are cruelty-free, toxin-free, and fragrance-free. However, they may not suit dry skin as they take time to absorb. Therefore, it is essential to consider your skin type and requirements to understand the product that will suit you best.
How To Choose The Best Cica Cream?
Used for a long time in traditional asian medicine, cica creams have come a long way to now rocking the Korean beauty world. Here’s how you pick a cream that suits you the best.
- Skin type: From oily to dry to combination skin, each skin type has different needs. If you have itchy and dry skin, you can opt for Dewycel Cica Plus Balm and Iope Derma Repair Cica Cream. These creams contain panthenol and hyaluronic acid, which replenish the skin with moisture and hydrate them. For combination skin, where you usually struggle with an oily T-zone, creams like Apieu Madecassoside Cream and Cosrx Pure Fit Cica Cream may be your best find. They contain ingredients like madecassoside and niacinamide that tackle oily and dry patches simultaneously. If you have oily skin, you can go for the L’oreal Paris Revitalift Cica Cream, Dr. Jart + Cicapair Cream, Apieu Madecassoside Cream or the Rael Beauty Lighten Up Cica Spot Corrector. Enriched with ingredients like turmeric root extract and Niacinamide, these creams control excess sebum production.
- Skin Concerns: There are many cica creams that target different types of skin concerns including improving skin texture, anti-aging, reducing spots, brightening, etc. If you are looking to improve skin texture while providing hydration to the skin, go for ingredients like beta-glucan, ceramide NP and panthenol which help in better water retention and absorption. The T Cicialio Cica Cream contains all these ingredients and more. If you want to firm, plump, and tighten skin along with fighting signs of aging, use ingredients such as tea extracts, niacinamide, grape seed extracts, vitamin C, etc., as they help reduce the appearance of fine lines by hydrating and plumping the skin. For this, we suggest you give the Meebak Cica Cream Age-Repair Moisturizer a try.
- Nourishing formula: Several cica creams offer a combination of ingredients that are deeply nourishing, especially with an interesting combination of licorice root, witch hazel leaf, and coconut oil. Cosrx Pure Fit Cica Cream, Madeca Derma Revitalizing Cream, and Iope Derma Repair Cica Cream have some of the most nourishing cica cream formulas in the market. These not only maintain the health of the skin, but form a protective barrier over the skin and shield it from further damage. You must choose creams with proven efficacy and visible results.
Cica cream is a wonder product if you have irritated skin. Whether it is to treat your burns, or soothe and heal dermatitis or eczema, these creams have definitely worked and proved their mettle. While it provides your sensitive skin some salvation and has turned into one of K-beauty’s favorite ingredients, the cica creams have made a great addition to several of our beauty care routines, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. We hope you find one that suits you best, with our guide of the 13 best cica creams in 2021.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast who likes to assist her readers in finding the most effective skin care solutions. She compiled a list of the best cica creams after reading many product reviews and customer feedback on brand websites and trusted online forums. These products can help eliminate skin issues and moisturize sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cica cream good for the skin?
Cica creams are a Godsend to irritated, sensitive skin. They soothe and strengthen the epidermal layer of the skin while fighting signs of aging and providing soothing relief to those struggling with psoriasis, flare-ups, and eczema.
Is cica cream good for acne and rosacea?
Yes, if you have rosacea or acne-prone skin, cica creams can offer great healing.
Is cica cream good for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, cica cream hydrates intensely while keeping the oiliness at bay.
Can you use cica cream every day?
Yes. Use cica cream daily to improve skin barrier function, maintain epidermal moisture, and relieves irritations. However, if your cica cream contains retinol, apply it only at night, as the ingredient makes the skin sensitive to the sun.
Can you use cica cream at night?
Yes. Use a cica cream at night to allow the active ingredient to soothe and strengthen the skin’s barrier without any disturbance.
Does cica cream clog pores?
No. Cica creams unclog pores and alleviate acne-related problems. They usually feature non-comedogenic ingredients.
How can I use cica cream?
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
• Scoop out some product.
• Apply it gently to your face in soft circular motions. Target the problematic areas more.
How long does it take cica cream to work?
Cica cream shows improvements after three days of use. Notice healthy, glowing skin with less redness and fewer fine lines after using it for just a couple of days.
